Zabaleta: Sakho can make important contributions

West Ham United defender Pablo Zabaleta has praised striker Diafra Sakho and backed him to continue producing the goods in the final third this season.

Sakho has had limited opportunities so far, having been used mainly as a super-sub, but he has taken his chances well and scored three goals in eight appearances in all competitions.

Zabaleta has been impressed by the 27-year-old's attitude and believes he will continue to do well for the Irons throughout the campaign.

“Diafra can have a big impact for us because he’s a great player, but it is all about confidence,” said Zabaleta, as quoted by the club's official website.

“He’s not been playing much in the Premier League aside from coming on for a few minutes, and his only starts have been in the Carabao Cup.

“This is what you expect from players like this who, even if they are not starting the games, they come on and give 100 per cent, even if it is only for ten minutes. He did that against Swansea, so I’m very pleased for him.”